FTC vs. Zillow discovery proceeds; settlements in SDAR, eXp cases
A dispute over company documents appears to be resolved. Plus, ex-SDAR CEO, eXp recruiter reach deals in separate cases; ex-Alliance CEO accused of defamation.
January 28, 2026
Amie Fisher
Senior Director, News Editing
Amie is a Seattle-based real estate editor and writer with experience covering agent news, consumer housing, rentals and the luxury market. She has led content and editorial teams at Pacaso and Zillow, and previously worked as the managing editor for a regional lifestyle magazine. A Pacific Northwest native, she grew up in rural Southern Oregon among tall trees, baby goats and a territorial rooster.
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- ‘Inflated’ agent fees cost consumers thousands, report claimsStandard commission practices harm consumers and fail to reward good agents (or discourage bad ones), according to a new report from the Consumer Policy Center.January 22, 2026
- The Ten: Nykia Wright’s determination to remake NARThe association’s CEO, an industry outsider, was hired to reshape the beleaguered organization — the “hardest thing” she’s ever done. Is she succeeding?January 2, 2026
- The Ten: Zillow under siegeLawsuits, criticism and new potential rivals cast a shadow over Zillow’s successes this year — but the search giant has not yet buckled under the pressure.December 19, 2025
- Slowing inflation could complicate rate cut decisionsThe November CPI report was based on incomplete data, “complicating interpretation.” Plus, mortgage applications, pending sales fall as buyers remain hesitant.December 18, 2025
- The Ten: With resistance growing, NAR focuses on value, trustPushback against the association came from all sides in 2025 as members asserted their independence. In response, NAR sought feedback and promised reforms.December 17, 2025
- Compass v. Zillow hearing: Who made the stronger case?In their closing arguments, attorneys for the two companies addressed claims of collusion, harm to Compass and more. Now a judge will decide what happens next.November 25, 2025
- Zillow CEO: There’s no boycott — ‘Compass is a partner’At a hearing in Compass v. Zillow this week, Jeremy Wacksman countered the more fiery testimony of Compass’ CEO, denying a conspiracy and touting transparency.November 22, 2025
- Compass CEO: Zillow, NAR, MLSs ‘profit from the work of others’Robert Reffkin testified this week at a hearing in Compass v. Zillow, portraying the portal and organized real estate as bullies that limit agent choice.November 21, 2025
- Compass attacks Zillow’s ‘weapons of choice’ in key hearingOn day one of a hearing tied to Compass’ private listing ban lawsuit, attorneys painted sharply different pictures of the two real estate giants.November 20, 2025
- Zillow equates MRED’s private listings to ‘digital redlining’The search portal — and PLN opponent — released an analysis of MLS listings in Chicagoland suggesting that private listings reinforce racial segregation.Updated November 22, 2025
- Elliman, BHS deepen C-suite; American REA names first execThe firms appointed chief strategy officers this week as Elliman eyes global growth, BHS focuses on operations. Plus, Mary Frances Coleman joins American REA.November 13, 2025
- Industry execs join forces to launch real estate consultancyRuss Cofano, a former proptech CEO and eXp president/general counsel, has teamed up with real estate marketing leader Amit Kulkarni to form Alloy Advisors.October 8, 2025
- Reffkin pitches 4 outcomes of ‘transformational’ dealCompass’ CEO told investors that acquiring Anywhere “unlocks our long-term vision” while assuring agents of support for “brands, platforms and cultures.”September 23, 2025
- Mortgage rates plummet; analysts now predict 3 Fed cutsWeak jobs data is expected to outweigh inflation numbers as the Fed considers a rate cut next week — which could be followed by more before the end of the year.September 11, 2025
- Where rental investors can find good ROI — and less red tapeThe top cities for investors are largely located in Florida and Texas, where home prices are typically lower, demand is strong and regulations favor landlords.September 9, 2025
- Rechat streamlines marketing design with new integrationThe all-in-one platform for real estate pros is now linked to Figma, a popular design tool, enabling faster distribution of visual assets to agents and teams.August 27, 2025
- In DC: Tariffs upset financial markets, NAR advocacy pays offThe latest announcements on trade signal a period of continued uncertainty for builders and the economy. Meanwhile, NAR applauds two federal housing bills.August 1, 2025
- Want to prepare your brokerage for the future? Lean into diversityJohn Finn, co-founder of Virginia’s largest Black-owned brokerage, has seen a lot over his long career. One constant? His belief that diversity fosters success.June 19, 2025
- Former CFO sues Real, alleging discriminationMichelle Ressler was fired in April by Real, which cited misconduct. Ressler says the claims were “manufactured” as a way to oust her after having a baby.June 10, 2025
